Statewide Impact and Home Damage The December storm flooded 33 rivers, causing damage to an estimated 3,891 homes across Washington, including 440 homes destroyed or severely damaged. Over 100,000 residents were evacuated during the two‑week event, and emergency crews performed 383 rescues, with one fatality reported. The governor’s office confirmed that the disaster triggered an emergency declaration and allocated $3.5 million in state funds plus $1 million in direct cash assistance to more than 2,600 households [1].

Federal Assistance Request and Eligibility Governor Ferguson sent a letter to President Trump seeking a major disaster declaration and FEMA individual assistance for the estimated $21.3 million in damages. If approved, residents in Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties, as well as 15 federally recognized tribal nations, would qualify for federal help. The request emphasizes rapid deployment of federal resources to support affected households [1].

Infrastructure Funding Separate from Disaster Aid The state plans to submit a separate infrastructure repair request in February after completing detailed damage assessments. This funding will target roads, bridges, and public utilities damaged by the floods, distinct from the federal disaster declaration. The dual‑track approach aims to address both immediate household relief and longer‑term public‑works recovery [1].

Rescue Operations and Human Toll The floods caused one confirmed death and prompted 383 emergency rescues across the affected regions. Rescue teams responded to both urban and rural areas, including tribal lands, highlighting coordination between state, local, and tribal agencies. The scale of rescues reflects the rapid rise of river levels that exceeded flood stage on 33 waterways [1].